provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

argatroban

Generic
Used for Deep Vein Thrombosis
Used for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Argatroban is an anticoagulant medication that treats or prevents blood clots. It's given as a continuous infusion through the veins. This medication is typically only used in the hospital for people who have a blood clot and can't receive heparin because they have a problem called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 7, 2022
BasicsFAQsInteractionsPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Argatroban?

How Argatroban works

Are you looking for information on Pradaxa (dabigatran) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNone available
Drug ClassAnticoagulant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Argatroban

What is argatroban used for?
Argatroban is used to treat or prevent blood clots. It's typically used in the hospital for people who have blood clots and can't receive heparin because they have a problem called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Argatroban can also be used in people undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a procedure that opens up clogged blood vessels in the heart. If you need to continue taking an anticoagulant after leaving the hospital, your provider might prescribe an anticoagulant that's taken by mouth, such as Pradaxa (dabigatran) or warfarin (Coumadin).
How does argatroban work?
Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), which is a type of anticoagulant. Thrombin is a protein found in your blood that forms blood clots. By blocking this protein, argatroban helps stop clots from forming in your body. This allows blood to flow more easily through your arteries and veins.
How is argatroban given?
Argatroban is given as an injection through the veins (IV) that runs continuously. This is done by a trained healthcare provider.
How much argatroban will I receive?
The dose of argatroban varies from one person to another. This is because the dose is based on your weight, whether you have liver problems, and your activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). aPTT is a test that measures how long it takes your blood to clot. Hospitals typically have a specific argatroban protocol or program in place that outlines how to monitor and change the dose of the medication based on your aPTT level so it works well and is as safe for you as possible.
What are the side effects of argatroban?
Since argatroban is a blood thinner, the most common side effect is bleeding. While you're in the hospital, your provider will monitor you closely for signs of bleeding while you're receiving argatroban. Other side effects include shortness of breath, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.
GoodRxEducationalIcon

How to save using GoodRx

Compare Prices
1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
Select your free coupon
2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
Show coupon to your pharmacist
3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
Get free couponLearn more
interactions

Interactions between Argatroban and other drugs

Argatroban may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Argatroban. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

  • Defibrotide

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Get savings updates for Argatroban

Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Argatroban and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.